• Deliver funding in line with the principles set out by the domestic retrofit research

• Improve competence in the RMI/retrofit workforce

• Streamline training initiatives and create clear standards to train towards.

Domestic repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) is central to upgrading the UK’s 30 million plus homes, with a £40.7 billion market that spans routine upkeep and energy efficiency improvements. Because homes require continual attention, RMI and retrofit operate as an ongoing cycle, yet the sector faces long standing barriers: limited demand for retrofit skills, no minimum competence standards and years of stop start policy. As energy efficiency needs grow, this plan aims to build skills, strengthen confidence and prepare the workforce to deliver improvements at scale.

Domestic Retrofit Research

An independent research project was commissioned to better understand the skills challenges facing the retrofit/RMI sector. Conducted by Nottingham Trent University in partnership with Oxford University, the study outlines the sector’s current issues and provides recommendations to guide future funding decisions.

Unlike other sectors, the RMI retrofit market is still emerging, and the training landscape remains fragmented. With limited market demand, skills development continues to rely heavily on grant funding, resulting in inconsistent training provision and an unclear competence framework.

The final report sets out core principles for improving retrofit/RMI training and offers clear recommendations on how the plan’s future funding should be targeted.

• Watch a summary of the research

• Read "Energy Retrofit, Repair, Maintenance and Improvement of Homes in Great Britain: Towards a Sector Skills Strategy" (PDF, 7.14MB)

Build Academy

The Build Academy at Shooters Hill Sixth Form College is an employer-led construction training programme, in partnership with the Federation of Master Builders, and is designed to prepare young people for real careers in the construction industry. The Academy bridges the gap between education and industry by combining high-quality practical training, employability skills, and meaningful on-site experience. The aim is to develop confident, skilled, site-ready learners who are prepared for employment, apprenticeships, or further study.

Learners interested in construction and related trades complete a 12-month, industry-focused pathway which is designed around real employer expectations and reflects how the construction industry operates.

• Find out more about the Build Academy

• Adam White - Advance Intelligent Airtight Systems

• Amy Longford - Cadw

• Brian Berry - Federation of Master Builders

• Caroline Kutcha - Insulation Assurance Authority

• Colin McKerracher - British Standards Institution

• Cypren Edmunds - Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance

• David Pierpoint - The Retrofit Academy

• Dr Sharon Grant - North East Institute of Technology

• Ewan Metcalf - I Consult and ICON Group

• Gray Gibson - National Federation of Roofing Contractors

• Holly Hansen Maughan - Supply Chain Sustainability School

• James Butcher - National Federation of Builders

• James Filus - Institute of Carpenters

• Jeremy Gray - Federation of Master Builders

• Juliet Baillie - Historic England

• Lucy Allis - York and North Yorkshire Retrofit Hub

• Moses Jenkins - Historic Environment Scotland

• Oliver Sisman - Build UK

• Paul Rogers - CLC Group

• Philip Vaughan - TrustMark

• Ruth Scarrot - National Federation of Roofing Contractors

• Sara Edmonds - National Retrofit Hub

• Sarah Garry - Property Care Association

• Vaughan Hart - Scottish Building Federation and National Federation of Builders